How easy is it to replace radiator?

     I have a 1988 Golf Clipper Cabriolet, and my radiator has just started leaking.  

I'm probably going to buy one from GSF, and am thinking about fitting it myself.

How easy is it to do… have searched threads but cannot find answer.

Thanks.

Its easy. Don't forget to buy coolant too.

Hi disconnect the hoses and buy new clips to refit (jubilee clips) undo top 2 bolts that hold rad in place and lift out ,on bottom of rad there are 2 locating pins there should be 2 plastic washers on take them off and fit to new rad place new rad back bolt back re connect hoses fill with coolant and water put heater to hot and run engine with expansion bottle top off for a short while re fill place top back on and jobs a good one very easy job dont worry and take your time good luck

very easy i have no mechanical car experience and did mine also upgraded the standard one for a gti one off ebay cost me £25 and bought a fan cowling off someone on here for a tenner so should never overheat now

Its straight forward, dont do it with a hot engine obviously  :wink:

Before you attempt note how the rad cards are fitted sides and top, take a couple of pics if you want.
If they are shot my want to get new beforehand with new fixing clips.
Id have fresh vw coolent ready so you can put fresh in (pink stuff G??). May even wish to use a hose pipe to flush the system through.

follow the instructions from Zorba.

New radiator wont come with fan temp sender probaby so you will have to unplug that and then transfer that over.


The top brackets that attach rad to body can corrode and expand so give them a clean and if you want put a load of vaseline in the slots they attach to the rad. Will just delay them rusting again. Do an occasional check any white staining could mean youve not got a proper seal on that joint.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290534789403

hella make, good quality
only issue i had was i had to chop one of the rad bracket holes open with a knife as the wrong one was filled in. you'll see what i mean, may even be direct fit as i was putting it in a mk2